Anyone in Washington state willing to help/coach me? Not like a concrete, scheduled coach just a person to come with me up to the resort and give me some tips. I usually go up with my friends but nobody is as serious and i have no one to push me and tell me what im doing right/wrong. I'd like to progress and become a sponsored rider so I am focused on progressing in the park (jibbing and kickers) and just overall riding. Especially powder since I came from Maryland where this is no pow and I can't really get the hang of it. I ususally go up to Crystal Mountain but would like to go to Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass for the park features. Any help would be appreciated and if needed, I'd pay for your lunch or give you cash if you want.

Thanks!

Jed

01-13-2013 10:07 PM

If you're paying cash you're honestly better off finding a freestyle coach from a decent snowboard camp to coach you, would be far better results from that sort of coaching.

Have you looked into proper freestyle coaching or is that out of your price range?

Also, make sure you aren't pushing yourself just to get sponsored. Ride and progress because you enjoy snowboarding, not because you want to be sponsored.

Sponsorship is overrated and very poorly paid for 9 out of 10 sponsored snowboarders. Getting a free snowboard each year doesn't exactly pay the bills.

Kevin.Brock

01-13-2013 10:41 PM

Hadn't really considered/thought about it. Ive always thought about a coach just being there to get paid and not someone I can just ride with. I want to enjoy riding while progressing at the same time. Also price is a big thing for me too.

And that came out wrong in my original post, I just love the sport and I know its a hard thing to achieve but I'd like to make a living just riding and doing what I have a passion for. And if that doesn't work out, I'll definitely open a shop to spread the stoke to others. Sometimes I get too caught up in the mindset of needing to get better NOW or else I'll be homeless for the rest of my life. :P

Jed

01-13-2013 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin.Brock
(Post 577865)

Hadn't really considered/thought about it. Ive always thought about a coach just being there to get paid and not someone I can just ride with. I want to enjoy riding while progressing at the same time. Also price is a big thing for me too.

And that came out wrong in my original post, I just love the sport and I know its a hard thing to achieve but I'd like to make a living just riding and doing what I have a passion for. And if that doesn't work out, I'll definitely open a shop to spread the stoke to others. Sometimes I get too caught up in the mindset of needing to get better NOW or else I'll be homeless for the rest of my life. :P

You know what? Too many people think owning a snowboard shop and being sponsored is the only way to earn a living and snowboard a lot.

You can make a living from sponsorship if you're really good and negotiate good contracts, but you should know that if snowboarding a lot is your goal, there are a lot of better options that don't involve sponsorship.

Sponsorship is honestly one of the hardest and least reliable options out of the possible ways to earn a living and snowboard as much as you want. One injury and all your sponsors can easily drop you.

Also, don't open a shop just because you love snowboarding. You need to love business and marketing as well or you'll end up as one of thousands of guys who thought "I love snowboarding so I'll open a shop" who ended up realizing that passion alone isn't enough to run a business as they lose tens of thousands of dollars.

There are plenty of paths you can follow to snowboard as much as you want. For example, one of my ex-housemates is a graphic designer who goes snowboarding during the day and works from a computer in the evening. He gets 10 times more snowboarding in than your average pro snowboarder or shop owner.

There are a lot of jobs these days that involve working your own hours from a computer thanks to the internet. In my opinion those are the best jobs if you love snowboarding and want plenty of slope time.

Kevin.Brock

01-13-2013 11:25 PM

True but I do like business and marketing (as far as I know). Even before considering the snowboarding route, Ive wanted to run a business or shop. Thanks for the post though, it gives me something to consider and think about although I do wanna get back on topic, before I get too into this discussion, of just finding a coach or someone to ride with that can help. :)

wrathfuldeity

01-14-2013 03:32 AM

as you know...riding park and powder is two different things....and involves different boards

go to hood, like high cascade or windells for park...spend a few weeks/months there or even campout in the lot and ride the public park or get a job as a digger.

go to baker for steeps and poo or where ever its pooing...the only way to learn is to wallow around in it....and its really about choosing your line wisely

if you are going to have a shop...you will not be riding that much...especially on good days....unless you hire....but those folks will be skippy on the poo days....so u will be working

as for sponsership...luck, market value, then personality, a supportive team/crew and lastly skill which is necessary and required (but not as much as you would think...unless you are top tiered pro)

take jed's advice find a job/career that allows money flow and the time to shred and you will ride aaaalot more. Being a sponsered or pro does involve alot of standing around.

sixpoint

01-14-2013 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowolf
(Post 578449)

It's great to have drive, but seriously, focus that drive on a career that will make you a hell of a lot more money and provide you with a financial future and allow you to own a nice home and some toys, not to mention a retirement and the ability to ride how, when and where you want.

well said snowolf

Kevin.Brock

01-14-2013 10:34 AM

Very good points. For now ill just forget about it and just ride and progress and if anything big happens, it happens but i wont force it.

NWBoarder

01-14-2013 01:03 PM

OP, how old are you? I ride Snoqualmie regularly, and would be willing to meet up if you're old enough to do that without parent permission. I'm not a pro, but I am competent and have instructing experience. PM me if you're interested in riding.